Business Assistance

We believe being responsive to the needs of our business community is
the most critical economic development function we serve. From the more
than 250 businesses we visit annually, to our rapid business response
times, to our walk-up Counter Engagement Program at Burien City Hall,
economic development makes Burien businesses our priority.

Business Expansion

If
your business is experiencing growth which requires building
renovations or additional building space, congratulations! Our team can
provide information to help you in your planning. The City of Burien
has been active in removing barriers to investment by businesses and
property owners. This has included an exemption from parking provision
requirements for existing buildings in the downtown that want to
renovate, add additional stories to the building height, change their
use until November 2020, and new fire suppression options that provide
greater flexibility and which may greatly reduce costs. Please contact
us with your building expansion ideas!

Site Location Assistance

Growing
your business can often mean finding more space. Whether you are
outgrowing your current location or you would like to newly locate to
Burien, we are here to help you determine the best option for your
growing business’s needs. Businesses opening their first location will
find Burien to be a supportive partner, and businesses relocating from
Seattle have found our real estate prices lower, our permitting times
faster (much faster), and our staff more accessible.

Among the many ways we can assist you with site selection, the City can:

Navigating City Regulations and Permitting

The City aims to make navigating government as simple as possible. Still, sometimes government codes and regulations may need additional explanation; our economic development staff are here to assist you and be your advocate inside city hall.

Public Safety and Cleanliness

Maintaining
the cleanliness and safety of our streets has been a major point of
emphasis for the City and the business community as Burien has grown.
This emphasis extends to all corners of the city, and includes many
programs that help to attain the comfortable, main-street feel that our
community enjoys. Programs include:

Graffiti Removal Program

The
City offers a graffiti-removal program for commercial properties
absolutely free of charge. Once notified of the graffiti, the City’s
contractor will send a crew to the site and match the paint as close as
possible to the building color. Removal may consist of pressure washing
prior to repainting if needed. Go to Code Compliance to learn more about the Graffiti Removal program.

Clean and Safe Streets Litter Pick-up

The
City contracts with Discover Burien to fund pickup of garbage and
litter in the downtown area. Several times a week, the Team Clean Sweep
services their routes to ensure that our streets are clean and inviting.
Feel free to wave to them in their bright yellow jackets when you see
them around town!

Dumpster Lock Program

Recology
CleanScapes provides locks for commercial containers upon request. Each
lock comes with two keys for customer use. On your scheduled collection
day, Recology CleanScapes will unlock and relock the container.
Alternatively, a private lock may be used. On collection day, you will
need to unlock the container prior to service. To join, contact Recology
at 206-767-3322 or burien@recology.com

No Trespass Program

The
Burien Police Department offers a no trespass program that provides
police with permission to remove individuals who are trespassing on
private property during or after business hours without needing to
contact the business owner. To join, fill out the no trespass letter.

City of Burien Police Consultation

The
Burien Police Department offers free public safety consultations to
businesses that would like advice on how best to make their building,
equipment, customers and employees as safe as possible. Please contact
economic development staff at 206-436-5579 to set up a consultation.

Workforce Assistance

Burien’s
skilled workforce spans a wide range of sectors and experience. Our
education and workforce development partners give your business the resources you need to access this skilled talent.

If you are
looking to tap into our existing workforce, we can give you tools to
attract them. If your business is looking for continuing education or
training resources for employees, we have convenient options available. Give us a call
so we can give you the tools to recruit the talented employees that make
your business a success.

Proactive Business Visits

“You
wouldn’t get this type of service in a larger city.” This is a refrain
we hear often when visiting businesses through our Business Retention
and Expansion (BRE) program. Throughout the year, economic development
staff visit businesses of all sizes, types and in all areas of the
community to talk directly with business owners about how the City can
best help their business succeed. Our goal is to be responsive to
emerging issues in the local market, address any opportunities and/or
impediments that a business may encounter, and build strong lasting
relationships with our businesses. If you would like to meet with us and
see how we can help, please contact Economic Development Specialist
Chris Craig.

Rapid Response Time

When
a business calls, we answer. Although Burien operates with a lean
number of staff, our economic development staff aim to respond to
inquiries from Burien businesses within a day, if not immediately. In
Burien, you aren’t just a business identification number, you are a
valued member of our community.

Counter engagement program

The
City has enacted a Counter Engagement Program to assist new and
existing businesses when they visit City Hall. Whether you are applying
for licensing, seeking permits, or asking about the City more generally,
we want to make sure your visit with City staff is clear, productive,
and meets your expectations. Please ask to talk with an economic
development staff member so we can learn more about your business and
understand what we can do to help you succeed.

Regional Connections

Burien
understands the importance of leveraging regional partnerships and
expertise to add resources to our economic development toolbox for
businesses. Whether you are looking to grow your professional network,
talk with a business consultant for free about your company operations,
or access educational opportunities, we have partners that are ready to
assist. Give us a call to find how we can connect you to these
resources.